btw, don't know if it's been posted, but the Heat got one of their key role players back by signing Udonis Haslem to a 5 years, $20 million contract. Big move for the Heat franchise in order to surround their big three with some help...

The Jazz have taken the lead in their pursuit of trading for Al Jefferson.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Timberwolves are engaged in serious discussions on a deal that would slot Jefferson's contract into the $14 million trade exception.

Minnesota wants multiple first round picks and no additional salary in exchange for Jefferson.

The Dallas Mavericks were widely believed to be the most serious suitor for Jefferson in recent days, but the sides have been unable to agree on the terms of a deal.

Unless they plan to get rid of Okur, I don't get it. They already have Millsap there, they don't need Al... although he's a good fit for their style, and would be an improvement over Okur for sure...

I also think it's strange they want AJeff with Okur still there. They really should trade Okur for some salary relief or more of a defender and rebounder to come off the bench. They will really just have a logjam at the PF/C spots again as they've had the last four years

The Jazz have taken the lead in their pursuit of trading for Al Jefferson.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Timberwolves are engaged in serious discussions on a deal that would slot Jefferson's contract into the $14 million trade exception.

Minnesota wants multiple first round picks and no additional salary in exchange for Jefferson.

The Dallas Mavericks were widely believed to be the most serious suitor for Jefferson in recent days, but the sides have been unable to agree on the terms of a deal.

Unless they plan to get rid of Okur, I don't get it. They already have Millsap there, they don't need Al... although he's a good fit for their style, and would be an improvement over Okur for sure...

I also think it's strange they want AJeff with Okur still there. They really should trade Okur for some salary relief or more of a defender and rebounder to come off the bench. They will really just have a logjam at the PF/C spots again as they've had the last four years

They're beating themselves over the head because they lost Boozer and gave up Brewer for money. That upset Deron Williams. So they're basically trying to make him happy.

Matt Steinmetz wrote:A trade exception is basically a salary slot for a player who does not exist. In short, it’s a tool that adds some flexibility to potential trades. The Warriors will have one year to use it before it expires, but they are not likely to use it immediately.

It’s more likely that if they use it, they’ll use it in February, near the trade deadline, or during next year’s NBA draft.